Preliminary hearing begins in Laura Szendrei homicide

The trial of a young Delta man charged with first-degree murder in the death of 15-year-old Laura Szendrei began Monday in Surrey, B.C. with a preliminary hearing.

Szendrei was attacked in broad daylight in Mackie Park in Delta in September, 2010. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries, but died shortly afterwards. Hundreds attended a public memorial for the popular teen.

In February, 2011 a 18-year-old Delta male was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in her death. Because the suspect was 17 at the time of Szendrei's death, he cannot be identified, but police have said he was not previously known to them.

Police have released few details about the incident, except to say the suspect did not know Szendrei and it appears the attack was a crime of opportunity. The trial is expected to run until early October.